The ILC workshop (108 & 108a) provide students with a diverse array of tools, equipment, and technology to assist with the development of prototypes for assignments, projects, and research.
The hand tools, power tools, and floor standing machines are all available for students to use on completion of safety training (provided by Mike Vanberkel) and machine specific training (Mike Vanberkel or Steve McNally).
The workshop also offers students and researchers 3D printing, laser cutting/engraving, circuit board engraving, CNC machining, non-structural welding, and 24" wide colour printing. All these services are operated by either Mike Vanberkel or Steve McNally and are billed at cost-recovery (includes material, machine maintenance, tooling, and Technologist/Technician time).
Plotter charges: $10 per 36" x 24" (Arch D) sheet for all users.
Technologist/Technician time: $60/hr and material costs for external users, graduate students, and researchers for CNC machining, laser cutting/engraving, welding, and circuit board engraving. For undergraduate academic and design team jobs, only material costs are billable (labour applies to CNC machining).
Contact: Mike Vanberkel or Steve McNally
The ILC has two 3D printers. They are both Stratasys F190CR printing in (thermoplastic).
The F190CR offers users a standard ABS thermoplastic build in a single colour with a minimum layer thickness of 0.127 mm. Parts are relatively durable and suitable for moderate use.
The ILC offers the use of the 3D printer to any project student requiring a prototype. The cost of a model is $5 per cubic inch of material (both modelling and support material) for undergraduate academic use. For all other end-users, the rate is $7 per cubic inch. Custom material requests will incur additional charges due to waste material generated during cartridge changes. Designs must be saved as .STL files, which is a solid modelling format available in most CAD programs. Solid Edge, SolidWorks, and AutoCAD are available on all ILC computers.
Designs can be sent to Mike Vanberkel or Steve McNally for a materials cost and time estimate. While most models can be completed overnight, please allow a few days for estimates and setup. Tall, thin objects require more support material, which adds to the cost of the object. Also consider the required mechanical strength; the machine draws upwards in horizontal layers, so parts can break if enough stress is applied along those layers. If a specific strength is required please specify which axes are most important; the object's orientation can be easily changed for a better finish or for part strength.